President Donald Trump offered a balanced yet firm response to Elon Musk’s public apology on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, acknowledging the billionaire’s regret while affirming his administration’s strong stance after their intense week-long dispute.
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, conveyed Trump’s reaction during a briefing, stating the president recognized the statement Musk made and appreciated it. Meanwhile, the administration indicated it was not reassessing Musk’s government contracts, despite Trump’s earlier warnings to cut billions in federal subsidies and agreements.
Trump’s reaction followed Musk’s early morning apology on X, where the Tesla CEO expressed regret for his previous week’s posts about the President, admitting they had crossed a line. Musk’s reversal from his prior aggressive stance, which included calls for Trump’s impeachment and unverified claims about the President’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein files, was notable.
Trump’s acceptance showed political tact while maintaining his dominant position in their dynamic. He opted to accept the apology graciously rather than escalate tensions, reinforcing his leverage over Musk, whose business heavily relies on government contracts worth billions.
In a brief interview with the New York Post, Trump described Musk’s action positively, stating, “I thought it was very nice that he did that.” This reflected Trump’s readiness to accept the gesture while maintaining his presidential authority.
The reconciliation process started after extensive outreach from the White House, coordinated by Vice President J.D. Vance and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who communicated with Musk by phone. This preceded a brief conversation between Trump and Musk on Monday night that was enough to begin the apology process.
Trump’s approach illustrated an understanding of the mutual benefits derived from their relationship. While Musk offers substantial financial support and technical expertise, Trump controls regulatory approvals and federal contracts vital to Musk’s space and electric vehicle aspirations.
The conflict arose over Trump’s domestic policy legislation, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which Musk criticized as a “disgusting abomination” that would increase the federal deficit by trillions. The dispute quickly escalated on social media, with Musk claiming credit for Trump’s election victory and suggesting impeachment.
Trump responded strongly during the conflict’s peak, threatening to end Musk’s government subsidies and contracts via a Truth Social post, describing it as a way to save billions in the budget. Privately, Trump questioned Musk’s mental health, suggesting the billionaire had lost his mind during their exchanges.
The financial stakes were significant for both parties. Tesla’s stock fell about 14 percent during the feud, losing around $150 billion in market value in one day, and Musk’s personal net worth decreased by $34 billion, according to Bloomberg’s analysis. This economic pressure likely influenced Musk’s decision to reconcile.
Trump’s measured response contrasted with his earlier threats and personal remarks. At the height of their dispute, he referred to Musk as “the man who has lost his mind” during an ABC News interview and indicated he had no plans to communicate with the Tesla CEO.
The administration’s choice not to review Musk’s government contracts was a significant concession, preserving business relationships worth billions. SpaceX holds key contracts for NASA missions and national security launches, making its services nearly indispensable for the space program.
Privately, Trump’s confidants suggested the President felt more hurt than angry about what they termed Musk’s betrayal, indicating personal disappointment rather than just political calculation drove his initial reactions. The reconciliation showed both men’s awareness that ongoing cooperation was beneficial for their interests.
Trump also considered broader political implications for Republican unity and upcoming legislative priorities. House Speaker Mike Johnson had hoped for a swift resolution, emphasizing the need for party cohesion to pass the domestic policy bill through the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority.
Industry analysts noted that Trump’s handling reinforced his leverage in future interactions with wealthy supporters and tech leaders. By showing his willingness to use presidential power even against major donors, Trump set clear boundaries for acceptable behavior from his allies.
The reconciliation occurred as Musk prepared to unveil Tesla’s robotaxi project later this month, emphasizing the need for regulatory cooperation from Trump’s administration. This timing highlighted the practical reasons driving both men towards resolution rather than prolonged conflict.
Trump’s response ultimately preserved presidential authority and the beneficial aspects of their relationship, sending a clear message about the consequences of public disloyalty. The outcome reinforced Trump’s position as the dominant figure in their alliance, ensuring future dealings would occur on his terms.
